Alabama drivers urged to be cautious during deer season

Alabama drivers have a one in 135 chance of hitting a deer during deer season.

A recent study released by State Farm places Alabama as one of the top states for vehicle accidents involving deer. Alabama came in 22nd on the list, with numbers claiming drivers have a one in 135 chance of hitting a deer in the state.

Greenville State Farm Agent Abbie Gardener Ballew says the numbers don’t surprise her; she sees an increase of these accidents every fall.

“They’re out all the time. On my drive into work this morning I saw two,” she said. “I’ve already had three claims this month of deer related accidents, so it is not surprising to me.”

Deer can cause thousands of dollars in damages to cars, depending on the car model and speed. Sometimes, a hitting a deer can even totally destroy a car.

“They’re normally an older vehicle, but I have seen those, the front end just damaged completely off of the front of a vehicle,” said Ballew.

There are not many tricks that will help you avoid hitting deer, because it’s one of those accidents almost every driver will have. What drivers need to remember, insurance agents say, is to minimize the damage to not only their cars, but themselves.

And sometimes, that does mean hitting the deer.

“Try to slow down and brake. But don’t swerve off the road. A ditch can cause more damage to you,” Ballew said. “We can fix your car, we want you to be safe. So we want to make sure that if, if the last possible thing is to hit the deer… It’s going to damage the car but it might save your life.”

Curious deer crossing the road can be a disaster for drivers.

The number of deer accident claims usually go up during the fall and winter months, starting in October and ending in December. Prime deer spotting time is usually at dawn and dusk. It’s important to remember that if you see one deer, be on the lookout for more as deer usually travel in large groups.

To read more about the State Farm study or check out more tips on safe driving during deer season, click here.